New York Giants: Saquon Barkley positive about Eli Manning’s future

New York Giants rookie running back Saquon Barkley is optimistic and positive over the difference Eli Manning can make in 2018.

One of the youngest and newest players on the New York Giants has spoken out.

First-round draft pick Saquon Barkley spoke to TMZ Sports on Monday and within the conversation, the former Penn State Nittany Lion discussed his optimism and overly-impressed attitude on his quarterback, Eli Manning.

When asked if the team’s offseason additions would help make Manning a good quarterback again, Barkley was nothing but positive. “Hopefully,” he said. “Hopefully. I think Eli looked great in camp.”

Barkley is entering his inaugural season in the NFL. Thus, he’s coming into a position where Manning is coming off of the worst season of his career.

In 2017, Manning only threw for 19 touchdowns to 13 interceptions. This is an excruciatingly low number of scores for the two-time Super Bowl MVP, as he threw for 26 touchdowns in 2016 and 35 in 2015. His consecutive-start streak concluded as well at 210 in a Week 13 matchup against the Oakland Raiders.

However, the Giants have made strides towards a turn-around for the organization as a whole. New head coach Pat Shurmur and GM Dave Gettleman have united to put the pieces together on both sides of the ball.

Drafting Barkley and guard Will Hernandez, as well as signing former Patriots left tackle Nate Solder is destined to improve the offense immensely. Star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. now almost fully-healthy again is additionally a positive in every which way possible.

With improvements being made concerning the offense, along with an overall clean-slate attitude now put in place, Manning is poised to contain the tools to make a difference in 2018. He now resides alongside healthy receivers, an improved offensive line, an enormous potential at running back, and new coaches.

It’s safe to say Eli Manning looks prepared and focused to bounce back this upcoming season.